Forskolin is a cell permeable adenylate cyclase activator which causes an increase in the intracellular concentration of cAMP. This makes it an important hypotensive and vasodilatory agent. Forskolin also affects calcium currents and inhibits PKC (Protein Kinase C)-stimulated MAPK and RAF-1.

≥95% by HPLC

Forskolin is shown to activate adenylate cyclase at EC50 of 5-10 µM. Forskolin binds to adenylyl cyclase in membranes from stably transfected Sf9 cells expressing type 1 adenylyl cyclase with an IC50 value of 41 nM and demonstrates an EC50 value of 0.5 μM in an activation assay assessing formation of cAMP from ATP.

Soluble in DMSO at 160 mg/ml; very poorly soluble in water; maximum solubility in water is estimated to be about 25-50 µM. Buffers, serum, or other additives may increase or decrease the aqueous solubility. Forskolin is also soluble in ethanol (50 mg/ml), but this solvent is not recommended, as it inhibits forskolin activation of adenylate cyclase.

White to off-white granular powder. 

Store at or below -20°C. Stable for at least 1 year when stored as directed. Anhydrous DMSO stock solutions are stable for at least 3 months.

Forskolin is commonly used to raise levels of cAMP in a wide variety of intact cells and tissue preparations.

1. Awad, et al., J.Biol.Chem 258: 2690 (1983).
2. KB Seamon., et al., PNAS 78 (6):3363 – 3367 (1981).
3. Siddhanti, S.R., et al., Endocrinology 136: 4834 – 4841 (1995). 

Protect from moisture. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles of solutions.

cAMP activator, kinase inhibitor

Inhibitor/Activator